Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Springs Into Action

Gr 1–3—Freddie's super shoes might be able to help rescue a runaway basketball, but he isn't so popular with his friends or teammates. He scores so many points that his team wants to quit, and during gym class he finds that no one wants to try beating him in track. He goes back to Mr. Vaslov, inventor of the zapatos, so he can design an on/off switch. Freddie grows a bit impatient and visits Mr. Vaslov's shed, where he finds a special new wristband but no Mr. Vaslov. Freddie finds that the wristband allows him to jump to new heights. Freddie may have super shoes with special abilities, but he needs to use his brain to solve problems—including finding Mr. Vaslov. While this is a sequel, it is not necessary to have read or be familiar with the first book. Freddie's adventures are a great reminder to readers that while special abilities allow Freddie to perform special feats, his greatest power is his mind. Pam Turlow's reading doesn't differ too much in tone, but distinguishes dialogue from narrative.